The Hearts of the Children Scripture Share

One of the simplest ways we can invite the Spirit during singing time is by sharing a scripture. For a neat way to introduce or review The Hearts of the Children in singing time this month, try this The Hearts of the Children Scripture Share idea!

Simply read the scripture associated with this song and discuss with your primary children to help deepen their understanding of the meaning of this lovely primary song.

The Hearts of the Children Scripture Share

Did you know that many primary songs and hymns are based on scripture passages? At the bottom of each page in the hymnal and primary song book, you can find scriptures that reiterate doctrines taught in the song.

For a simple, but powerful way to help your primary children deepen their understanding of the meaning of this song, read Malachi 4:5-6 together as you sing The Hearts of the Children.

5 Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord:

6 And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.

In this post, I share lots of engaging ways to use this scripture share idea. You can make it as simple or as elaborate as you’d like it to be. Let’s jump right in!

If you are introducing this song for the very first time, you might choose to listen to the pianist play through the song or share a recorded version.

If you are reviewing this song, start by singing through The Hearts of the Children once. Who was Elijah? Who was Malachi?

Choose a helper to come up and read the scripture to the class. I’ve included an easy-to-read printable scripture poster later in this post.

I’ve also included a version with ¼ page scripture cards with only part of the scripture on each page. If you’d like to use this version, choose 4 helpers to come up. Have each child read their part in order.

Then, ask some questions to start a brief discussion about the song. What does it mean to “turn our hearts to our fathers?” Who was the prophet, Elijah? How do temples help us turn our hearts to our fathers?

I recommend doing a little scripture refresh on the prophet, Elijah before primary. I know I needed it! This Guide to the Scriptures has some helpful background information.

Invite the children to share any ideas and encourage teachers to participate as well. Sing through the song again, listening for the last line. Did you hear the blessing? The very last line says, “Families can be sealed for eternity.” We can be sealed to our families by the sealing power restored through the prophet Elijah.

Close with your testimony of the sealing power and of family history and temple work.

LOTS of Extension Ideas:

• Hide the scripture cards around the room. Have the children find all 4 cards, then rearrange them in the correct order!
• Assign each class one part of the scripture. Have each class choose a “spokesperson” to read for their class.
• Try to memorize this scripture as you learn this song! Read it as a class each week and see if you can memorize it by the time you move on to a new song.
• Write a few phrases of the song on the back of each scripture card. Read one phrase of the scripture, then one phrase of the song. Repeat this pattern until you make your way through the entire song!
• Write a fun way to sing on the back of each card. Here are some examples: Boys only, girls only, sing softly like a mouse, sing loudly like a lion, sing like a pirate, etc.
• Choose quotes from prophets and apostles to dive deeper into this topic. The talk, “The Sealing Power” by Elder D. Todd Christofferson is a great place to start.
• Color a picture while you read! Pass out one of these temple coloring pages and talk about how temples help us turn our hearts to our fathers.

For another fun similar activity, head over to see this I Pray in Faith Ways to Pray Scriptures singing time activity!

The Hearts of the Children Scripture Share Printable Song Helps

This free in-post printable includes a 1-page scripture poster for Malachi 4:5-6, as well as 1/4 page cards that include scrambled scripture phrases.

This activity has extended printables available including 3 additional scripture references and a quote with 1/4 page cards and a full page quote poster. These extended printables are included in the INSTANT Primary Singing membership when The Hearts of the Children is the featured song of the month.

Head over to this The Hearts of the Children Rhythm Sticks activity next for two easy rhythm patterns to try during singing time!

What other fun ways will you use this scripture share singing time activity in your Primary room?